Consumer-Protection

Consumer-Protection

Latest Consumer-Protection news and updates about Spain

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consumer-protection

Spain's Most Preferred Supermarkets Revealed by OCU Survey

In a recent and highly anticipated annual report by the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU), the satisfaction levels of consumers with various supermarkets in Spain have been laid bare. The survey, conducted in early 2025, involved nearly 4,900 consumers and evaluated 46 different supermarket and hypermarket chains across the country.

Regional Chains Lead the Pack

The survey's findings highlight a clear preference for regional supermarket chains over some of the larger national players. Esclat and Bon Preu, both originating from Catalonia, have secured the top two spots in the satisfaction rankings. These chains, part of the Grupo BonPreu, have consistently impressed consumers with their quality of products, service, and overall shopping experience.

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consumer-protection

Staying Safe While Shopping Online: Expert Tips for Expats in Spain

As the world becomes increasingly digital, online shopping has become a staple of modern life, especially for expats in Spain who may find it convenient to shop from the comfort of their homes. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks, particularly in the form of cybersecurity threats and counterfeit goods. Here are some expert tips to help you shop online securely and avoid common pitfalls.

The Rise of Cyber Threats and Counterfeit Goods

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in counterfeit and potentially dangerous goods flooding into Europe, including Spain. This has prompted the European Union to implement new customs regulations targeting major e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace. These regulations require e-commerce companies to provide detailed data on shipments before they arrive in the EU, giving customs officials greater power to inspect and monitor packages[1].

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consumer-protection

Rising Costs of Second-Hand Motorcycles in Spain: What Expats Need to Know

In recent months, the motorcycle market in Spain has seen a significant shift, particularly in the prices of second-hand motorcycles. This trend is crucial for expats who are considering purchasing a motorcycle to navigate the country's diverse landscapes.

Increasing Demand and Prices

The average price of a second-hand motorcycle in Spain has been on the rise, driven by robust consumer demand. According to the latest data, the Spanish motorcycle market experienced a 9.9% surge in sales in 2024, reaching the highest level in the past 15 years[3].

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consumer-protection

Spain Cracks Down on Spam Calls: A New Era for Consumer Protection

In a significant move to enhance consumer protection and combat telephone fraud, Spain has introduced stringent new regulations to ban commercial sales calls from mobile phone numbers. This initiative, announced by Spain's Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Administration, Óscar López, is set to come into effect this month.

The Problem of Spam Calls

For years, Spanish consumers have been plagued by unsolicited and often deceptive sales calls made from mobile numbers. These calls, which can occur at any time, frequently involve high-pressure sales tactics or outright scams. The lack of transparency in these calls, where consumers might mistakenly believe they are receiving a call from a friend or family member, has been a major concern.

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consumer-protection

Expats in Spain Alert: Majority of Store-Bought Honey Found to Be Fraudulently Labeled

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the food industry, a recent investigation has uncovered that a staggering six out of every seven store-bought honeys in Spain are fraudulently labeled. This alarming finding has significant implications for consumers, particularly expats living in Spain who rely on these products for their daily needs.

The Extent of the Fraud

The investigation, which analyzed a substantial number of honey samples from various supermarkets and retail chains, revealed that an overwhelming 85% of import companies had at least one positive result for fraudulent products. This translates to a staggering 51% of honey imports being fraudulent, according to data from the European Commission's joint report by OLAF, JRC, and DG SANTE published in 2023[3].

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consumer-protection

Spain Cracks Down on Spam Calls with New Regulations

In a significant move to protect consumers from scams and nuisance calls, the Spanish government has announced stringent new regulations aimed at curbing spam phone calls. This initiative, set to come into effect before the end of February 2025, is part of a broader effort to enhance digital safety in the country.

New Ban on Mobile Numbers for Spam Calls

Under the new regulations, mobile phone numbers will no longer be permitted for making spam calls. This decision follows previous measures taken by Spain, including the General Telecommunications Act of 2023, which banned unsolicited calls without prior consent. However, the earlier law still allowed companies to contact users if they had inadvertently granted permission, for example, through a tick box on a website.

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